Could the flu shot lower your risk of Alzheimer’s?

Everyone has their eyes on this year’s flu season, which is predicted to collide with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC and other health agencies are already issuing strong recommendations to the public to get their flu shot as early as possible. In addition to protecting against the flu, flu shots may also have an unexpected benefit: lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2020, we highlighted new data that suggests getting a flu shot — especially multiple vaccinations over the years — may decrease Alzheimer’s incidence by nearly 20%. This is the first-ever scientific study to suggest this relationship.

Another study found that vaccination against pneumonia between ages 65 and 75 reduced Alzheimer’s risk by up to 40% depending on individual genes.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines are at the forefront of public health discussions. It is important to explore their benefit in not only protecting against viral or bacterial infection but also improving long-term health outcomes,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer.

“It may turn out to be as simple as if you’re taking care of your health in this way — getting vaccinated — you’re also taking care of yourself in other ways, and these things add up to lower risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” Carrillo said. “This research, while early, calls for further studies in large, diverse clinical trials to inform whether vaccinations as a public health strategy decrease our risk for developing dementia as we age.”

As we enter a unique flu season, the Alzheimer’s Association can provide tips and resources for keeping individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families safe and healthy. Visit www.alz.org/northeasternny